August 11/08 5:31 am - Crankworx: Day 2 report, photos and full results

Posted by Editoress on 08/11/08

CrankWorx Whistler BCBy Fraser Britton

Day 1

Crankworx has once again taken over the Whistler BIke Park. Festivities officially kicked off on Saturday with the second annual Crankworx Dual slalom. This year's track was immaculate, garnering rave reviews from racers and media alike featuring larger carved berms, technical jumps and even a water hazard.

JD Swanguen (MS Intense - USA) took home top honours for the men beating out Nico Vink (Trek - BEL) and teammate Anneke Beerten (NED) took home the win for the ladies after edging out Rachel Atherton. Anneke discussed her afternoon while in the finish area: "It's something different from 4x. To be honest I had trouble riding the berms, they are so tight. I'm pretty happy!"

Racing was tight all afternoon with numerous upsets. Brian Lopes, Sam Hill, Cedric Gracia and Dan Atherton all got knocked out in early rounds. "I just had to keep it pinned to take the win" explained an ecstatic Swanguen, who pumped his fist in the air as the results came in.

Canadians Micayla Gatto and Miranda Miller squared off in the first heat, with Gatto moving on to the second round and losing to eventual 3rd place rider, Fionn Griffiths of the UK.

Sunday brought more rain and clouds, cold temperatures and the infamous Monster Garbanzo Downhill. Over 14 minutes long, the Garbanzo DH has been known to reduce professional racers to mush. When it gets wet and the thousands of roots and rocks that litter the upper portions of the track get tracked with mud, it only gets worse. Riders have to fight to stay upright, let alone put in a winning.

World Champion Gee Atherton (Animal Commencal - GBR) took home the win for the men with a time of 14:20.4.

Last year's winner, Sam Hill (Monster Energy/Iron Horse - AUS) attempted to defend his title, but luck would play no part in helping. Hill had a small excursion off course at the top of the run, and then dabbed while going over one of the small wooden structures on course, and somehow managed to lose his show in a hole. " I debated the consequences of going on without it, and thought better of it" explained Hill from his team truck. Hill would get second and Marc Beaumont (Bike Radar Santa Cruz - GBR) took third.